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Bulwark+ is a political commentary Substack that analyzes and reports on U.S. politics without partisan or tribal biases. It focuses on the motivations and behaviors of Trump supporters, the dynamics within the Republican Party, criticism of both Republican and Democratic tactics, and highlights the importance of truth and integrity in political discourse.

Political Analysis Media Criticism U.S. Presidential Elections Democratic and Republican Party Dynamics Trump's Influence in Politics Political Extremism and Authoritarianism Importance of Truth and Decency in Politics Economic Policies and Impact Legal and Ethical Standards in Governance Electoral and Voter Behavior

The hottest Substack posts of Bulwark+

And their main takeaways

There Are Brave GOP Senators—McConnell Should Be One

3223 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
  1. McConnell wavered on supporting a border/Ukraine deal under pressure from Trump.
  2. Some GOP senators are standing up for bipartisan solutions and criticizing Trump's influence.
  3. It's suggested that McConnell should prioritize doing what is right over maintaining his leadership position.

Mayorkas Impeachment Hampers Bipartisan Immigration Deal

4304 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Mayorkas impeachment is hindering a bipartisan immigration deal
  2. House Republicans impeachment effort lacks tactical advantage and conveys a lack of seriousness
  3. Senate Republicans are divided on the impeachment with some questioning its basis

Biden’s Low Approval Rating May Not Matter

3341 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Data shows voters may not base decisions on approval ratings.
  2. Historically low approval ratings for Biden may not affect election outcome.
  3. Economic improvements and policy changes can impact approval ratings but might not change election results.

Nikki Haley’s Problem: Her Party Is Nuts

3243 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Nikki Haley faces challenges with her party's voters on election denial and acceptance of criminal convictions.
  2. Independents tend to be more reasonable than Republicans in supporting Nikki Haley as a candidate.
  3. Republican primary electorate leans towards supporting Trump, even in scenarios involving criminal convictions or election-related crimes.

The Money Pit of GOP-Aligned Super PACs

2476 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. GOP-aligned Super PACs spent only 2% of funds targeting Trump's challengers
  2. Despite having a significant budget, the PACs failed to effectively challenge Trump
  3. The strategic choices and decisions made by the PACs during the 2024 campaign were seen as political and economic malpractice
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Election Security on Social Media Isn’t a Seasonal Business

2476 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Election security on social media is a continuous concern, not just a seasonal issue.
  2. Detection of manipulated media is challenging due to evolving technology, and transparency for users is crucial.
  3. Congress struggles with addressing emergencies during an election year, making legislative progress difficult.

Iowa’s Silver Lining

3596 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. Despite a big Trump win in Iowa, there is hope for the general election.
  2. Some Republicans in Iowa are not backing Trump in the general election.
  3. The independent voters and third-party interest pose a challenge for Trump's reelection.

Ross Douthat Once Again Downplays the Trump Threat

3223 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Ross Douthat suggests Nikki Haley might pose a bigger threat than Trump.
  2. Douthat criticizes Haley's hawkish foreign policy stance.
  3. Douthat downplays the dangers of a potential second Trump presidency.

The Deeper Reason for the U.S. Military’s Recruitment Woes

2712 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. The U.S. military is facing recruitment challenges due to not being able to recruit enough people to meet its needs.
  2. Recruiting numbers are declining, with only a small percentage of young Americans interested in joining the military.
  3. One of the fundamental issues contributing to recruitment difficulties is veterans' negative views toward military service, especially due to recent wars like Afghanistan and Iraq.

‘Nazi Town, USA’: It Did Happen Here

3026 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. A PBS documentary reveals the history of the German-American Bund in the 1930s and its impact on American society.
  2. The Nazi movement in the USA in the 1930s tapped into American realities like racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and scientific racism.
  3. Despite initial popularity, the German-American Bund faced american ideals like free speech, leading to its decline and dissolution during World War II.

Nikki Haley Just Can’t Quit Trump

2594 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Nikki Haley was selective in criticizing Trump, adapting her tone as the field narrowed.
  2. Haley uses evasive language to criticize Trump without fully renouncing him.
  3. Haley keeps her options open, avoiding clear commitments on Trump and potential endorsements.

What Happens to Europe If America Withdraws?

2849 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Europe relies heavily on the United States for military capacity and strategic thinking through NATO.
  2. European countries may need to rapidly militarize and support Ukraine if the U.S. withdraws.
  3. Lack of unity among European states could lead to chaos and potential fractures, impacting the war in Ukraine and overall European security.

Biden Classified Docs Report: Insult, Not Injury

2103 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. The special counsel's report on Biden's handling of classified documents won't lead to an indictment.
  2. Trump is already using the report to criticize Biden, despite the lack of legal actions against him.
  3. The report raises questions about Biden's memory and could impact discussions about his fitness for office.

Yes, Jan 6 Was That Bad

3577 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
  1. Jan 6 attack on the Capitol was indeed very bad
  2. The Bulwark had been warning about the threat prior to the attack
  3. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers

Sorry, Nikki: There’s No Path to the Nomination with Your New Hampshire Coalition

2692 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Winning the New Hampshire primary requires a coalition of crossover voters and GOP base support.
  2. Past Republican candidates who succeeded in New Hampshire also had strong national poll numbers and party backing.
  3. Nikki Haley's current strategy may not be successful due to lack of widespread GOP support and changing political dynamics.

Creepy Messianic Pro-Trump Video May Come Back to Bite Him

3144 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. Former presidents invoked God in national life, but Trump praises himself as divine savior in a video.
  2. The video portrays a delusional narrative of Trump as a chosen caretaker sent by God, despite his controversial behaviors.
  3. Trump's messianic video may appeal to his evangelical base, but could alienate undecided voters in a general election.

Don’t Let Trump Dictate the Conversation

2987 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Don't let Trump control the national conversation by focusing on his distractions.
  2. Be aware of Trump's manipulation tactics and decline to play along.
  3. Stay focused on the serious legal issues Trump faces, like unlawfully retaining national defense documents.

Negative Polarization Is a Heckuva Drug

1926 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
  1. Modern discourse is marked by pervasive pessimism and communal negativity
  2. Political and cultural discussions often revolve around an 'us-versus-them' mentality
  3. It's important to strive to see the world as it is, rather than what we fear it to be

Ukraine Is Committed to Europe and Democracy

2201 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Ukraine is committed to Europe and democracy.
  2. Ukraine has a history of fighting for democracy and has made progress.
  3. Support for EU membership in Ukraine remains strong.

Last TNB Before Iowa

2732 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. Last Thursday Night Bulwark before Iowa caucuses.
  2. Discussion with Jonathan V. Last, A.B. Stoddard, and Mona Charen.
  3. Post exclusively for Bulwark+ paid subscribers.

Tucker and Ben Shapiro Pegged By Con Man Prostitute with Sham Story

10141 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Media Conspiracy Legal Fraud
  1. A convicted fraudster made uncorroborated claims about Barack Obama involving crack and gay activities.
  2. The accuser's background includes a lengthy arrest record and a history of lying, casting doubt on the credibility of the claims.
  3. The claims lack corroborating evidence or witnesses, failing a lie detector test, making them flimsy and unreliable.

‘The Most Urgent Question of Our Time’

2751 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. Biden emphasizes the importance of democracy and freedom in his re-election campaign.
  2. Democrats are concerned about the challenge of connecting with voters on democracy issues amidst everyday concerns like the economy.
  3. Highlighting the threats to democracy posed by the potential return of Trump to power is crucial for Democrats in the upcoming election.

Are We All Too Cynical for Star Trek?

1847 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Star Trek's evolution reflects societal trends and challenges our trust in institutions.
  2. Modern Star Trek portrays Starfleet as flawed and often antagonistic, contrasting with the idealized portrayal in older series.
  3. The shift in leadership styles in modern Star Trek reflects changing values towards personal morality and teamwork over strict professionalism and duty.

Rallying Cries for the MAGA Right

2338 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. The GOP base is embracing slogan-worthy causes and rallying cries, despite lacking legislative solutions.
  2. Some Republicans are refusing to accept election results they lose, claiming them to be illegitimate.
  3. The right-wing is pushing back against diversity initiatives, linking them to safety concerns and detrimental effects on excellence.

Kmart Elegy

2220 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. Kmart, once a dominant American retail chain, is now nearing extinction with only a few struggling stores left.
  2. Kmart's decline can be attributed to early rapid growth followed by coasting and acquisitions that led to a messy and disheveled store experience.
  3. The stories of Howard Johnson's and Kmart serve as cautionary tales of how even once-iconic brands can fade into obscurity and reminders that nothing in business is guaranteed.

Biden vs. Trump: What Kind of Leader Do We Want on the World Stage?

1729 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Biden focuses on building coalitions and acting seriously on the world stage.
  2. Trump prioritizes personal gain over national security, hindering progress.
  3. Character is key in leadership when it comes to national security decisions.

Trump’s Lawyers Argue Biden Can Assassinate Him

2417 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. Trump's lawyers argued that Biden can assassinate him, claiming immunity from criminal prosecution if not impeached.
  2. A judge's question during the oral argument pointed out the absurdity of this claim.
  3. The implications of this argument extend to allowing a president to order assassinations without fear of prosecution.

Where the Trump Disqualification Push Stands

1709 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Litigation regarding Trump's disqualification is happening at the state level due to lack of federal law.
  2. Exclusion of Trump from even a few states could prevent him from winning the White House.
  3. Supreme Court's decision on the Colorado case could have significant implications for Section 3 of the Constitution.

Cancel the 2024 Presidential Debates if Trump Is the GOP Nominee

1945 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Cancel 2024 Presidential Debates if Trump is GOP nominee because he turns them into chaos, doing more harm than good.
  2. Trump's behavior in debates is disruptive, filled with lies and insults, and lacks self-control.
  3. Trump's past behavior and rhetoric suggest he does not deserve the high-profile exposure of debates if he becomes the nominee.

Why Not Have ‘True Detective’ *and* ‘Night Country’?

1985 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. There is a debate about whether the series should carry the 'True Detective' name or go by 'Night Country' instead.
  2. The show delves into the impact of isolation and loneliness in a digital world.
  3. The film 'First Time Caller' explores the dehumanizing aspects of talk radio and online interactions.

The Danger of Trump’s Bogus “Summary of Election Fraud”

2338 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Trump's report on election fraud is filled with misinformation and denialism.
  2. The report uses unreliable sources and incorrect information to cast doubt on the 2020 election results.
  3. Despite being disproven, Trump's continuous lies are swaying public opinion and eroding trust in the electoral process.

Anti-Trump Means Anti-Democracy? You Can’t Be Serious

2260 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Critics worry about Trump leading to dictatorship.
  2. Some argue that anti-Trump critics themselves endanger democracy.
  3. Berkowitz downplays Trump's potential for dictatorship and disregards concerning actions.

They Are Sending Their Best People

2417 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. A military officer helped evacuate Afghans and found inspiration in their heroism.
  2. The resilience and perseverance of a refugee family from Afghanistan in starting a new life in the US.
  3. By chasing his dream, a former Afghan pilot successfully resettled his family, found a great job, and became an airline pilot.

Hamas’s Useful Idiots

1670 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
  1. The International Court of Justice is considering a charge of genocide against Israel, which has raised questions about the legitimacy of the accusations.
  2. The accusations made by South Africa against Israel for genocide are one-sided and lack evidence, leading to a moral inversion in the case.
  3. The case highlights complexities in warfare, including the challenges of fighting against enemies who place military assets near civilian areas.

Could This Trump Argument Persuade SCOTUS?

1729 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
  1. Ex-president's lawyers argue he shouldn't be kept off the ballot in Colorado because he wasn't violent on January 6th.
  2. Trump's lawyers try to downplay his involvement in the events of January 6th, focusing on lack of direct violence.
  3. The argument that only physical violence constitutes insurrection could sway some Supreme Court justices.

America’s Problem Is Policy, Not Power

1336 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. America's main issue lies in its policies, not its power
  2. Confidence and reassurance are crucial in maintaining alliances and security guarantees
  3. The United States has the resources and capability to address overseas crises; the key challenge is political dysfunction

Iran Is a Problem. We Should Treat It Like One.

1336 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. Iran has been a persistent threat, killing Americans for decades.
  2. The U.S. needs a long-term strategy to deter Iran and prevent further conflict.
  3. Restoring deterrence against Iran may require a stronger, disproportionate response.

America’s Fleeting Chance to Resume Leadership

1120 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. The United States must lead in Ukraine to uphold its role as the 'indispensable nation.'
  2. International support for Ukraine shows a resurgence of American global leadership.
  3. America's contribution to aid for Ukraine lags behind European countries, raising concerns about its role in the world.

Here’s Why DeSantis *Should* Be Losing

1611 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Ron DeSantis did not perform well in Iowa, hinting that his presidential campaign may not succeed.
  2. DeSantis faced criticism for vaccine policies and ethical concerns related to his leadership in Florida.
  3. DeSantis' actions as governor suggest he may not be the right fit for higher office, with controversial policies and actions.